Rudolf has worked with many artists as either a producer, writer, or guitarist. Examples include Frazer McGonigle, A.K.A Rezza Boiii, Scott Rimell AKA Masta Nasty, Timbaland, the Black Eyed Peas, Lil’ Kim, LL Cool J, Justin Timberlake, Kevin Lyttle, Kanye West, Britney Spears, David Banner, T.I., Flo-Rida, The Neptunes, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne and Ludacris. Rezza Boii and Rudolf collaborated on a new track called "Wikky", available on free download in fall 2010.
Rudolf's first full album, 'In the City', was released on November 24, 2008. It includes the hit single “Let It Rock”, which prominently features Lil' Wayne, and sold well while receiving mixed critical reviews. “Let It Rock” was used as the main theme for the WWE’s '2009 Royal Rumble' pay-per-view event as well as the theme for the 2009 'NBA All-Star Game'. That song additionally reached #5 on the Billboard U.S. Hot 100 chart, #5 on the U.K. Singles Chart, #3 on the Australian ARIA Chart, and #2 on the Canadian Hot 100. As well, “NYC”, featuring Nas, was featured on 'CSI: NY' on November 5, 2008 as well as opening up the 3rd episode of MTV’s 'The City' on January 5, 2009.
“Welcome to the World” is another popular single by Rudolf, peaking at #75 on the Hot Canadian Digital Singles chart. His aforementioned debut album debuted and peaked at #94 on the Billboard 200 and #74 on the Canadian Albums Chart. Released on June 15, 2010, Rudolf's next album, 'To the Sky', also has garnered a warm fan response.
In The City
Kevin Rudolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Walk the streets like a wanted man
All the time got my shine looking pretty
Motherfuckers all know who I am
Every day feel the heat in the city
Like the barrel of a smoking gun
Read the signs see the lights there so pretty
Your the one now turn me on
[Chorus]
(hey) give it all up for me
(hey) give it all up for me
(hey) give it all up for me
Every day I'm alive in the city
Shes a fire that lives by the sun
On the street looking fine looking pretty
She sucks the heat off my, gun
I will eat you alive in the city
While they pull up in fancy cars
Drinking whine wasting time you are pretty
Politiations movie stars
[Chorus]
City boy life
[Chorus]
City boy life
Every day I'm a star in the city
Walk the streets like a loaded gun
All the time got my shine looking pretty
Everybody now turn me on
[Chorus: x2]
The lyrics of Kevin Rudolf's "In The City" depict the life of a famous person in the city, where they are a star and known by everyone. The opening lines, "Every day I'm a star in the city, walk the streets like a wanted man," indicate that the singer feels like a celebrity whose every move is being watched. The singer also talks about how good he looks with his "shine looking pretty," and how in the city, "motherf*ckers all know who" he is. But with fame comes pressure, and the singer also feels the "heat" of the city, like "the barrel of a smoking gun." He seems to be aware of the dangers of being a celebrity, with people constantly monitoring him.
In the chorus, the singer urges someone to "give it all up" for him, indicating that he wants that person to be fully committed to him and his lifestyle in the city. The singer repeats the chorus twice, emphasizing the intensity of his desire for that person to give it all up for him.
The second verse talks about a woman in the city who is like a "fire that lives by the sun." The singer is attracted to her and implies that she is the reason he feels alive in the city. He also uses the metaphor of a gun, saying that she "sucks the heat off my gun." The verse ends with a criticism of politicians and movie stars who don't seem to be doing anything productive, "drinking wine, wasting time, you are pretty."
Overall, "In The City" is a song that glorifies the life of a celebrity in the city, but also acknowledges the challenges and dangers that come with that lifestyle. It describes the pressure to always be "on" and the need for those close to you to fully understand and support your lifestyle.
Line by Line Meaning
Every day I'm a star in the city
Every day, I feel like a celebrity in the metropolis.
Walk the streets like a wanted man
I walk down the streets of the city with confidence and attitude as everyone looks at me,
All the time got my shine looking pretty
I always look good and shiny, well-presented, and ready to take on the city.
Motherfuckers all know who I am
Everyone knows who I am, and I have the respect and admiration of others.
Every day feel the heat in the city
Every day, I feel the intensity of the city's living with high stakes and competition.
Like the barrel of a smoking gun
It's almost like the city is a smoking gun that fires its energy into those living in it.
Read the signs see the lights there so pretty
While walking the streets, I observe all the neon and fluorescent lights and the magnificent signs, making the city beautiful and exciting.
You're the one now turn me on
The city is what motivates me, and it excites me to live here and participate fully in its opportunities, and it fuels my ambition.
(hey) give it all up for me
The chorus seems to be talking about how the city is all-consuming, and it's so beautiful and magnetic that it's worth giving up everything to be a part.
Shes a fire that lives by the sun
The city is alive with the kind of energy like fire that only harnesses its powers of the sun.
On the street looking fine looking pretty
People on the streets look beautiful and attractive, enjoying the city's vibe and culture.
She sucks the heat off my, gun
The city is so hot, and it can almost burn out a person, just like the heat from a gun.
I will eat you alive in the city
The city is so competitive; if you don't have the fire and passion, you will not succeed.
While they pull up in fancy cars
While some people can come into the city to show off their lavish lifestyle in fancy cars, they may not get as much respect as those who are self-made and successful in the city.
Drinking whine wasting time you are pretty
Some people may come to the city to party or waste time, enjoying the fruits of city life, and that may be attractive to some, but it's ultimately not what the city is all about.
Politiations movie stars
The general people of the city have great respect for politicians and movie stars because of their influential nature in the city.
City boy life
The 'city boy life' can be full of excitement but also competitive and challenging.
Every day I'm alive in the city
Living every day in the city can be a feat in itself but is always rewarding and full of countless opportunities.
Walk the streets like a loaded gun
Walking through the city's streets with confidence can feel invigorating, just like a loaded gun.
Everybody now turn me on
The encouragement of the city people makes you feel energized as if the entire city is turning you on.
(hey) give it all up for me
The chorus repeats its message of giving everything up for the city, but it seems worth it to whoever is singing the song.
[Chorus: x2]
The chorus repeats for a final time, emphasizing the message again and again.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JACOB KASHER, KELEIGH REID, KEVIN RUDOLF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind